After multiple days of wet and windy weather, the majority of Lake Tahoe ski resorts emerged with sunny skies for the weekend and more snow at the summit.
There are currently 13 Lake Tahoe area ski resorts offering skiing and snowboarding this weekend and expected to be doing so during the upcoming Christmas holidays. Although no significant snow is forecast for this week, the cold weather temperatures will be ideal for snow-making.
Vail Resorts: The resorts reported 5 to 18 inches of fresh snowfall Friday morning. The new snow has enabled Heavenly Mountain Resort, Northstar California and Kirkwood Mountain to open additional terrain for skiers and riders of all ability levels, with more trails scheduled to open for the weekend.
“Continued snowmaking and winter storm patterns have made for an incredible base, and we’re thrilled to schedule additional terrain opening this week and into the approaching weekend,” said Pete Sonntag, Tahoe region senior vice president and chief operating officer for Heavenly Mountain Resort. “We are excited to welcome guests with great skiing leading into the holidays.”
Trail and chair Lift opening highlights:
- Heavenly has opened the California side of the mountain with access to runs from Powder Bowl chair. Skiers and riders also can access the Skyline Trail from Sky Express; 1600 acres of terrain available in total.
- Northstar California will have 19/20 lifts, top-to-bottom skiing with more than 50 percent of terrain open, including runs on Lookout and the famed Backside.
- Kirkwood has 1,300 acres of terrain accessible, opening up the entire front side of the mountain.
Mt. Rose: Following the storm system that moved through the Lake Tahoe region, the ski resort off Mt. Rose Highway in Nevada received 12 to 21 inches of new snow. Mt. Rose expects to open the majority of the resort’s terrain this weekend.
“Having the highest base area elevation in Lake Tahoe certainly benefits Mt. Rose skiers and riders,” said Mike Pierce, director of marketing at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe. “The snow conditions and coverage is phenomenal for this time of year, and skiers and riders planning to get on the slopes this holiday season are sure to have a great time.”
Mt. Rose plans to be open for skiing and snowboarding Christmas Day, with the main lodge opening at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast and equipment rental, and lifts turning an hour early, and staying open an hour later, running from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For those who want to end 2016 with some turns, Mt. Rose will host a New Year’s Ski Party and Fireworks on December 31 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The festivities will include a snow cat parade at 4:30 p.m., followed by a kids’ torchlight parade at 5:15 p.m. and a fireworks display at 5:50 p.m. All activities will take place at the Mt. Rose Main Lodge.
Season-to-date, Mt. Rose has received 134 inches of snow, with current average base depths of 48 inches. The resort is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with deals on lift tickets offered when purchased online in advance. Ticket prices increase by $10 if purchased on-site at the resort. The Lodgepole Café, Timbers Bar, Higher Grounds Coffee Bar, Equipment Rental and Repair Shop are open, and lessons are available daily for both kids and adults.
Lake Tahoe Opening Dates
- Mt. Rose: open Nov. 18
- Boreal Mountain: open Nov. 18
- Northstar: open Nov. 23
- Heavenly: open Nov. 23
- Squaw Valley: open Nov. 23
- Alpine Meadows: open Nov. 23
- Soda Springs: open Nov. 23
- Sugar Bowl: open Nov. 25
- Kirkwood: open Nov. 25
- Sierra-at-Tahoe: open Nov. 26
- Homewood: open Dec. 9
- Tahoe Donner: open Dec. 9
- Diamond Peak: open Dec. 15
- Donner Ski Ranch: TBA
- Granlibakken: TBA (sledding only)
